Larger-than-Life St. Francis and AlbGlinka

The painting came out way better than expected. I poured my heart and soul into it, partly to please the client and partly to please myself. They were really happy with the finished artwork. Sister Bernie, the head of the organization Religious Witness with Homeless People (click on the link to read about their work) said it was the nicest artwork they've ever had done for them!

I guess there are other ways to express my creativity besides endless Psycho Abstract Expressionist Clownz.

I still have to finish cutting the figure out on Monday; they want it to be free-standing for their display. I was too exhausted to finish yesterday, plus I had a final performance of Samson et Dalila last night. The press conference where St. Francis will be displayed is next Thursday and I'm planning to go to it and maybe have my own digital camera by then so I can snap more pix.

My good friend Tim came over at 8am yesterday and took this great photo to document the artwork in my atelier....

Just fill it in-- it doesn't have to be perfect, Grove/Albert!

How it's turning out...

Help me, St. Francis!

I got this commission to create a 7'-tall version of St. Francis for this religious non-profit organization that advocates for the Homeless...

It's not paying much, but it's a great learning experience and maybe some good exposure. Unfortunately, the job is a bitch technically-- I'm not used to painting this big, and I'm using acrylic on paper. I'm much more used to oils, which are easier to mix and blend. I'm being a hopeless perfectionist and so far I'm less than satisfied with how it's turning out. :-(

I have today to finish the painting part of it. While attempting to let go of the results and of my perfectionism. Just smush paint on paper. (A successful painting class mantra) A friend is lending me his digital camera to document it, and folks: I am buying my own digital camera before the month is over!!!!!

Accompanying Camera-phone pic: Floor-to-ceiling work-in-progress.

Honing My Skillz

I now take my sketchpad everywhere I go. I've been sketching backstage at the Opera House-- which is new and challenging-- it feels quite exposed. There are lot of very creative people milling around down there. Some people walk by disinterested and some stop and look and are complimentary. I guess all art is experienced this way. For me, it's a challenge to accept all reactions/ non-reactions.

I like this self-portrait in my Samson et Dalila Acolyte drag. I've been told I look like Jesus, which is... interesting.

Maybe Jesus if he had lived to the age of 49?